Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532058
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 FEBRUARY 2025 2 HERITAGE Part of Us: Celebrating heritage through time NOEL ZAMMIT HERITAGE is more than just a collection of artefacts and his- toric sites; it is an integral part of our identity. It shapes our national narrative, connects generations, and ref lects our resilience, creativity, and evo- lution as a society. At Heritage Malta, we embody this belief in our slogan, "Part of Us," which underpins everything we do. This year, as we unveil our 2025 Events Calendar, we re- affirm our commitment to making heritage accessible, for everyone. With 153 events carefully curated to inspire cu- riosity and engagement, this programme ensures that herit- age is not something to be pas- sively observed, but something to be lived, enjoyed and shared. A key focus of this year's programme is the commem- oration of significant anni- versaries that mark important moments in Malta's history. The 50th anniversary of the National War Museum, the 10th anniversary of Fort St El- mo's reopening, the 110th an- niversary of the first sketches of the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex, and the 460th anni- versary of the Great Siege all serve as milestones in our col- lective journey. These anniversaries are not simply moments to reflect up- on, but opportunities to engage with our past in a more mean- ingful way. Through curated exhibitions, interactive expe- riences, and commemorative events, we invite the public to celebrate the resilience, cour- age, and ingenuity that have shaped Malta's story. Each of these anniversaries reminds us that heritage is not static—it evolves with us, continuous- ly shaping and reshaping our sense of identity. At Heritage Malta, our mis- sion is to make cultural herit- age a shared experience for all. This year's calendar builds on that vision by ensuring inclu- sivity and accessibility remain central to our approach. Bilingual events will allow both local and international audiences to connect with our history in their preferred lan- guage. Tailored activities will cater to individuals with differ- ent needs, ensuring that every- one—regardless of ability—can experience and enjoy Malta's cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Student and Senior Pass- port schemes continue to pro- vide young learners and senior citizens with the opportunity to discover Malta's past in en- gaging and meaningful ways. This year, our new 'Peek in- to Heritage' campaign builds on the Part of Us philosophy by going beyond convention- al heritage engagement. It offers visitors the chance to delve deeper, explore hidden narratives, and gain exclusive insights into Malta's cultural treasures. From behind-the-scenes cu- rator-led tours and interac- tive workshops to solstice and equinox experiences and Taste History gastronomic journeys, this campaign brings history to life in immersive ways. The enthusiasm of our pa- trons continues to drive us for- ward, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues and collaborators who have made this year's programme possi- ble. As we move forward into another year of discovery and engagement, I invite you all to embrace Malta's heritage, not just as something from the past, but as something that is truly Part of Us. The new calendar is now available on Heritage Mal- ta's website heritagemalta. m t / l e a f l e t s - a n d - b r o c h u r e s / , where visitors can explore the full lineup of events and book tickets online. You may also follow Heritage Malta's offi- cial WhatsApp Channel: bit. ly/HMWhatsappChannel for real-time updates and behind- the-scenes stories. Noel Zammit is Heritage Mal- ta, Chief Executive Officer Above: The new calendar is now available on Heritage Malta's website. Below: CEO Noel Zammit (All Photo's by DOI / Pierre Sammut) "With 153 events carefully curated to inspire curiosity and engagement, this programme ensures that heritage is not something to be passively observed, but something to be lived, enjoyed and shared." "Each of these anniversaries reminds us that heritage is not static—it evolves with us, continuously shaping and reshaping our sense of identity."